AI Generated Image
With Fresh Marble Fillings, the Parthenon Gets a Partial Glow-Up
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- The Parthenon's western facade in Athens has been partially restored, now appearing in its most complete form in about 220 years after marble slabs were added to the temple's western pediment.
- Restoration work on the pediment began in 2017, overseen by the Acropolis Restoration Service under the Greek Ministry of Culture.
- Many original sculptures from the pediment, known as the Elgin Marbles, were removed around 220 years ago by Lord Elgin and are currently housed in the British Museum.
- Since 2021, the Greek government and the British Museum have been negotiating a potential agreement for the return of the Elgin Marbles to Greece.
- To manage overcrowding, Greece introduced a daily visitor cap at the Acropolis in 2023, which attracts millions of tourists annually.
